Environmental expert and former Professor of Botany at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Prof. K. Bayyapu Reddy, appealed to the public to stop spreading baseless allegations against Conocarpus trees and stressed the need to protect them.
Conocarpus trees. (Image:DC)
Tirupati: Environmental expert and former Professor of Botany at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Prof. K. Bayyapu Reddy, appealed to the public to stop spreading baseless allegations against Conocarpus trees and stressed the need to protect them.
Addressing a media conference here on Sunday, Prof. Reddy highlighted that Conocarpus, originally native to Yemen, has spread widely across several countries, including Gulf nations, due to its resilience and environmental benefits.
Prof. Reddy stated that Conocarpus trees absorb high levels of carbon dioxide, release more oxygen, and grow rapidly in different soil conditions without heavy maintenance. He explained that the species helps control air and noise pollution, purifies polluted soil and water, and supports urban green cover even in adverse environments.
Prof. Reddy stated that Conocarpus trees absorb high levels of carbon dioxide, release more oxygen, and grow rapidly in different soil conditions without heavy maintenance. He explained that the species helps control air and noise pollution, purifies polluted soil and water, and supports urban green cover even in adverse environments.
Countering claims that Conocarpus is a foreign and harmful plant, Prof. Reddy reminded that crops like tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, maize, coffee, and tea were also introduced from foreign countries. On health concerns, he cited examples from Bengaluru, where thousands of Conocarpus trees exist without any increase in asthma or allergy cases among students.
Responding to criticism that the tree is unsuitable for birds, he explained that its dense growth makes it less favourable for nesting but does not harm avian life. He also dismissed fears that the roots damage infrastructure, citing examples from Guntur where Conocarpus trees planted along road dividers have caused no structural issues.
Responding to criticism that the tree is unsuitable for birds, he explained that its dense growth makes it less favourable for nesting but does not harm avian life. He also dismissed fears that the roots damage infrastructure, citing examples from Guntur where Conocarpus trees planted along road dividers have caused no structural issues.
Jana Chaitanya Vedika state president Vallamreddy Lakshmana Reddy emphasised India’s low tree-to-person ratio compared to global averages and supported Prof. Reddy’s appeal. He urged the government to form a scientific committee to study Conocarpus trees and present factual findings. The organisation announced plans to hold awareness programmes across Telugu states to educate the public about the environmental benefits of Conocarpus trees.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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